Ahmad Al Harthy made a welcome return to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Pro-Am1 podium on the series annual visit to Knockhill in Scotland, the Oman Air Racing Team driver taking third place in both Rounds Twelve and Thirteen.
Ahmad, looking to return to the podium for the first time since June, got his weekend off to a positive start when qualifying fourth fastest for both races. An earlier mistake at the hairpin in race one saw the Oman Air, Nawras, National Bank of Oman, Brand Oman, Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs and Oman Ministry of Tourism-sponsored driver slip to fifth in class on the opening lap, but he regained one place when a rival span off ahead.
After a short safety car period, the 30 year old began to mount a challenge for third place, switching places with local driver Rory Butcher over a couple of laps before cementing the place on lep eighteen, holding onto it until the end despite constant pressure.
The second race saw Ahmad once again embroiled in frenetic battles as he fought for the podium finish. Starting fourth in class early on, he pressured Derek Pierce ahead and at two-thirds distance, got his place with an excellent pass, holding on until the end for his eighth podium visit of the season, keeping him third in the Pro-Am 1 points standings.
Ahmad commented: “We had very good race pace this weekend, we managed to close the gap to the guys ahead and had some really close, wheel-to-wheel battles. In both races, especially the second one, you had to defend hard but you also needed to attack as well – due to the nature of the track everything was so close.
“I'm extremely delighted to be back on the podium, it's been a while since we've done this as we've had some bad luck recently. I'm so proud of everyone involved, the guys at the team and all of my incredible sponsors and supporters. It's been nice to fly the Omani flag in a new country!”
